Geddy Lee Hated When Alex Lifeson Initially Likened a RUSH Reunion to a “Tribute Band”

RUSH are currently in the midst of a massive reunion tour, earning rave reviews from fans and critics alike. But prior to announcing their return, guitarist Alex Lifeson initially dismissed the idea of a reunion, saying they would just be the “top Rush tribute band,” a statement that infuriated singer-bassist Geddy Lee. Lifeson made the comment in a January 2025 interview with Classic Rock, saying at the time of a possible reunion following drummer Neil Peart’s passing: “RUSH went out on a high note playing as well as ever with one of our best stage shows on [then final tour] ‘R40.’ I guess I’d rather be remembered for that legacy than returning as the top RUSH tribute band.” Get RUSH Tickets Here In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Lee revealed that he was truly upset by Lifeson’s remarks. “I know how he feels and how he’s felt for a long time,” Lee said. “We’re friends first. But… when I heard this thing about the tribute? It’s like, ‘They’re your songs, motherfucker!’ It’s not a tribute band! We own those songs as much as we did with Neil. And they’re part of us. They’re part of your soul. They’re part of your heart. And when we started playing them together again, that kind ...